Set to open in late 2024, the highly anticipated Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, will introduce an unprecedented level of luxury to Costa Rica’s stunning Peninsula Papagayo. As the first-ever Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Central and South America and the eighth in the world, Nekajui promises to elevate the definition of personalized, luxury travel. With 107 exceptional guest rooms, suites, and residences nestled in one of Costa Rica’s most exclusive regions, Nekajui will offer breathtaking views, transformative wellness experiences, and once-in-a-lifetime adventures. Nekajui’s accommodations will feature expansive canopied terraces, spa-like bathrooms, and private plunge pools, all with panoramic views of Pochote Bay and its surrounding islands.
Costa Rica’s Luxury Destination: Peninsula Papagayo
Peninsula Papagayo, located in the northwestern province of Guanacaste, has long been a premier destination for luxury travelers. Encompassing 1,400 acres of gated, private land, the peninsula is known for its dramatic landscapes, pristine beaches, and untouched natural beauty. It’s also home to several world-class hotels, including the Four Seasons Papagayo and the Andaz Papagayo, making it a well-established haven for luxury seekers.
With the opening of Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Peninsula Papagayo will further solidify its position as the most exclusive luxury destination in Costa Rica. Guests will have access to the renowned Arnold Palmer-designed golf course, an array of land and water activities, and private access to some of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica.
The Region’s Unmatched Natural Beauty
One of the most striking aspects of Peninsula Papagayo is its commitment to preserving the natural environment. Spanning 1,400 acres, with 70% of the land protected for nature and wildlife conservation, the area offers visitors a chance to experience the unspoiled beauty of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Peninsula Papagayo is home to miles of untouched beaches, dense tropical forests, and crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life. As one of the most biodiverse areas in the world, Costa Rica’s natural landscapes are a key attraction, and Nekajui will blend seamlessly into this environment.
Located above Pochote Bay, guests at Nekajui will enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding islands, tropical gardens, and a quiet beachfront renowned for its bioluminescent waters. At night, the bay comes alive with glowing organisms that create a magical, moonlit display, adding to the sense of seclusion and wonder. With low light pollution in the area, Nekajui’s location offers an ideal setting for stargazing and evening relaxation.
The Ritz-Carlton Reserve Experience
Ritz-Carlton Reserves are known for offering intimate, personalized experiences that deeply connect guests with the local culture and environment. At Nekajui, the name of which means “garden” in the indigenous Chorotegan language, every aspect of the resort is thoughtfully designed to blend with the surrounding nature. Divided into three distinct architectural zones—classic, transitional, and organic—the resort’s design will reflect Costa Rica’s rich cultural heritage and its natural environment.
This new Ritz-Carlton Reserve is more than just a resort—it’s a sanctuary where every detail is designed for relaxation, rejuvenation, and discovery. Whether you’re enjoying a private yoga session on the beach or dining on locally sourced cuisine, the resort’s thoughtful approach to luxury creates an environment that feels both intimate and immersive. Guests will have access to exceptional services, private excursions, and exclusive experiences, all while staying in accommodations that are in harmony with the landscape.
Adventures Await: From Land to Sea
Peninsula Papagayo is a playground for outdoor adventurers. At Nekajui, guests will have access to unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences curated by Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment. This program will provide guests with rare opportunities to explore 570 square miles of protected wilderness, including wildlife encounters, rainforest adventures, and marine exploration. Whether zip-lining through the forest canopy, snorkeling in the bioluminescent waters, or kayaking through mangroves, guests will leave with a deeper connection to Costa Rica’s natural world.
For golfers, the Arnold Palmer-designed golf course offers a world-class experience set against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean and tropical forests. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just looking to enjoy a scenic round, this course promises an unforgettable experience.
Costa Rica is renowned for its commitment to environmental conservation, and Peninsula Papagayo is no exception. At Nekajui, guests can explore some of the most pristine marine environments in the world. The peninsula’s calm, protected waters are perfect for activities like paddleboarding, snorkeling, and sailing. The nearby islands offer incredible opportunities for diving, where visitors can encounter vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.
Whether you’re drawn to luxury, nature, or adventure, Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and the surrounding Peninsula Papagayo offer something truly extraordinary.
A Treehouse-Inspired Spa Sanctuary
Nekajui’s spa will be a true retreat for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, designed to blend effortlessly with the natural surroundings. Drawing inspiration from the concept of treehouses, the spa will offer a spacious, open-air environment that ensures a minimal footprint on the lush landscape of Peninsula Papagayo.
This serene haven will feature outdoor water gardens, warm and cold pools for hydrotherapy, a modern salon, a fully equipped gym, and a movement studio for yoga and fitness sessions. Additionally, private changing rooms and relaxing lounge decks will provide guests with personal space to unwind before or after treatments.
Guests of the resort, as well as residents of Nekajui’s private residences, will begin their wellness journey by crossing a dramatic hanging bridge that leads to this secluded sanctuary, symbolizing a transition from everyday life into a space dedicated entirely to healing and restoration.
The treatment menu will offer a wide range of wellness experiences, including hydrotherapy treatments and innovative water therapies, all designed to promote relaxation and balance within the body.
With this unique spa concept, Nekajui aims to create an immersive wellness environment where visitors can reconnect with both themselves and the surrounding nature. Whether indulging in a rejuvenating water treatment or simply enjoying the peaceful setting, guests will leave feeling revitalized and deeply connected to Costa Rica’s extraordinary landscape.
A Personal Connection: Exploring Playa Huevos
As a regular visitor to Peninsula Papagayo since 2004, when the Four Seasons first opened and I moved to Costa Rica, I’ve had the pleasure of watching this region transform into the luxury paradise it is today. One of my family’s favorite experiences, and one that has become a guest highlight, is taking a boat charter into the surrounding sea to explore the boat-access-only beaches. Among these beaches, Playa Huevos stands out as a personal favorite, and for good reason.
Playa Huevos is a wide, serene beach that offers an intriguing blend of natural beauty and adventure. Its signature features are the two sea caves that carve through the hillside. Over the years, my family has set anchor in Huevos Bay, swimming to shore to explore the caves. Most of the time, the rushing waves fill the caves with sound, making it impossible, and dangerous, to navigate, but one unforgettable day, we arrived at low tide and were able to walk through the cave to the other side—a rare and thrilling experience that made us feel like explorers in a hidden world.
Even though the Ritz-Carlton Reserve now claims the land surrounding Playa Huevos, the beach remains government property, open to all visitors. Under the maritime concession laws in Costa Rica, the first 50 meters above the beach are public land and considered to be the public zone. So, whether you’re staying at Nekajui or another location on the peninsula, you’re still welcome to enjoy the beauty of Costa Rica beaches. You can swim, relax on the sand, explore the sea caves, or take out a stand-up paddleboard in the calm waters of the cove, as we would often do. Playa Huevos offers a tranquil and private experience, just steps from the luxury of Nekajui, allowing all visitors to this lovely beach, to fully connect with Costa Rica’s natural beauty.
Papagayo Luxury: An Affordable Alternative
For travelers who want to experience the luxury of Peninsula Papagayo without the Ritz-Carlton Reserve price tag, Papagayo Luxury offers beautiful ocean-view and oceanfront villas at a fraction of the cost. These luxurious villas provide access to many of the same world-class amenities as Nekajui, including the Arnold Palmer-designed golf course, the region’s pristine beaches, and outdoor activities, all while delivering stunning views and privacy.
Papagayo Luxury’s villas are spacious and fully furnished, making them perfect for families or larger groups who want the flexibility of a home-away-from-home. With private pools, expansive outdoor terraces, and some with oceanfront access, these villas offer a more affordable way to enjoy Peninsula Papagayo’s luxury lifestyle. Guests staying at Papagayo Luxury can still take advantage of the area’s finest amenities, such as the golf course, the exclusive and private Prieta Beach Club, and gourmet dining options within the resort.
